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By Gilbert Munetsi recently in LUSAKA, Zambia
The World Boxing Council (WBC) and its subsidiary, the African Boxing Union (ABU), in a show of confidence have given Zimbabwe the chance to host two international seminars for match officials during the second quarter of this year.
The prospective months set for the two mega events are May and June in a closed door meeting held over the weekend in Lusaka, Zambia.
Council’s vice president Houcine Houichi, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Zambia Charity Charamba, chief director in the Ministry of Youths, Sports, Arts and Recreation for Zimbabwe Dr Benjamin Dube and ZNBWCB secretary general Lawrence Zimbudzana confirmed the development.
While the initial option had been given to Morocco, it was the strength shown by Southern Africa, particularly Zimbabwe that had compelled WBC to reconsider and propose the ideal venue for the two events.
“Apart from a meeting to receive a briefing from the WBC vice president, we also had the chance to discuss programmes that need to be done in Africa and the vice president appreciated the progress we have made so far as a boxing nation.
“Against this background we have been offered the chance to host the ABU Convention and the WBC Officials training workshop.
“The Chief director, having been the most senior official present in the meeting, will table the matter in Harare, with a view to starting work on the road map and begin the necessary protocols which include notifting member countries as well as sending out invites,” Zimbudzana said.
It is expected that lightweight boxer Aliyah Phiri who produced a sterling performance against Mombela Mukuni of Zambia last Saturday, but was robbed of a win, will fight for an ABU title during the seminar.
Meanwhile, there are reports from that Catherine Phiri, who suffered serious injuries from her fight with new WBC interim champion Kudakwashe Chiwandire, had to be rushed to the military hospital for medical attention.
According to a social media site, Zambia Accurate Information, the beleaguered former champion has since been moved to the University Teaching Hospital for further medical attention.
Phiri sustained facial injuries which culminated in a swollen eye, among other serious bruises. But so perturbed by the loss have been some ardent boxing followers in Lusaka that they have resorted to social media to vent their frustration.
“Surely, how can a Zimbabwean hairdresser beat up an Air Force Second Lieutenant with six points on home ground?” commented one user by the name of Siachie.
Apart from having been a footballer and kick-boxer, Chiwandire is also a hairdresser by profession. Nhau/Indaba
